December 10, 2025, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, commended the Chief of Ebi in the Ellembelle District for taking decisive action to protect the River Ebi from illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. He noted that the river’s purity and sanctity remain unquestionable, especially when compared to many other rivers that have suffered from pollution due to illegal mining. Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, made these remarks during the 41st Farmers’ Day Celebration held at Tandan, near Ebi, in the Western Region.
He challenged the traditional rulers in the Ellembelle District to take inspiration from the Chief of Ebi and put an end to all illegal mining activities on their land. Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that as the guardians of the land, culture, and tradition, traditional rulers have significant power to safeguard the land passed down to them by their ancestors, which is essential for all forms of production. The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, who also serves as the Acting Minister of the Environment, Science and Technology, expressed concern over the alarming practice of trapping fish from polluted rivers for human consumption, highlighting the dangers posed by galamsey, including the presence of toxins like cyanide and mercury that affect both the fish and the water. Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah assured that the government is prepared to support traditional rulers in their united effort to combat galamsey activities in the country. Major rivers in the Ellembelle District have suffered pollution due to these illegal activities.
here are only a few rivers that have escaped the impact of illegal mining activities. One of them is the River Ebi, which flows through the Ebi township and crosses the international road under the bridge at New Bakanta before reaching the sea. The Nobaya River at Esiama remains clean and free from pollution caused by galamsey activities, as does the northern section of the Greater Amanzule River, which is as pure as gold. Unfortunately, major rivers like the Ankobra and the southern part of the Greater Amanzule, along with the Subri and Broma rivers at Anwia, Teleku-Bokazo, and Nkroful, have all been severely affected by the galamsey crisis. This situation has made life extremely difficult for the local residents, who now have to purchase water for drinking and household chores.
By Nzematoday TV
